Interview: Moneá
Moneá is a Richmond, VA artist who dropped her first single, Brunch In The Garden, earlier this year. Fresh off the release of her new music video for the song Universe, I decided to pick her brain about new music, her process, and the philosophy behind her new video. Interviewed by Max Olarinde.
Max: I loved the music video for Universe. My takeaway was that we should be patient with ourselves when it comes to relationships and breakups, and that we should let time and the universe unravel before us. My question to you is, are you more of a believer in free will, fate, or some combination of both?
Moneá: That’s a dope question haha. I would say I’m a believer in both free will and fate. I think everything happens for a reason and every single person is on a path they were supposed to be but I also believe in free will in the sense of, you can make your life how you want it and put yourself on any path you desire. Hope that makes sense, but definitely both.
Max: Do you have any upcoming projects that you’d like to enlighten us about?
Moneá: Currently I am finishing up my EP set be released the first of the year and I’m super excited about that. My single releases, visuals and projects, are being synchronized with the moon such as the video for my debut single, “Universe,” which came out on the day of our recent eclipse and a full moon. I do this because the moon is very important when it comes to our emotions. Being in sync with the moon is a way for us to get in tune with a lot of things we’ve been dealing with, so I’m releasing projects on those dates to help people with things they may be dealing with and it even helps myself with my own personal life.
Max: If you could make a song with any artist/producer, dead or alive, who would it be, and why?
Moneá: I really want to make a song with Jhene Aiko. We have similar styles and messages in our songs that promote positivity and how to get through the cycles of life. Another person is Erykah Badu. The same way she makes me feel with her music, is what I hope to make others feel. A sense of calm, peace and connectedness. It would also be amazing to make music with Frank Ocean, his creativity really inspires me.
Max: I know some singers who freestyle through songs, some people put down the melodies and flow before anything, and some people who write all their lyrics out before they even record, how would you describe your musicmaking process?
Moneá: So for me, I like to vibe with the beat and hear it a few times, then I just hum along whatever melodies first pop up, usually the first melody that pops into my head is the one that was meant to be. Then, I start writing to it depending on the mood of the song, or how I’m feeling with life at the moment. Sometimes, I even wait to get into the studio and freestyle with the melody I heard, depending on the beat!
Max: Are there any obstacles you face in the writing or recording process you have to overcome? And how do you personally deal with them?
Moneá: Sometimes I have writers block and don’t know what to say or do next. One thing I do is meditate to help calm my mind, or I get around my friends who are artists. They inspire me without them realizing, and just being around them, helps me feel creative when I’m in a block.
Max: Are there any indie artists who you deeply respect and admire who you’d like to shout out?
Moneá: Shoutout to all the artists that have helped me with my journey and helped me along the music process. There is a lot of them but first, shoutout to Tune GG. He is the person who produced, “Universe,” and has been such a helping hang in my music making process overall. Another shoutout to Rasan, who’s voice brings me so much comfort and peace. She was the person that was on stage with me when I performed for the first time, and allowed me to get on her song, “Toxic.” I appreciate her friendship and music a lot. Another shoutout to Solomon Dixon, another producer I worked with. He is so patient with me in the studio, and helps with concepts and lyrics if I go blank. His music deserves to be in radio stations honestly. There is so many people I want to give thanks to like Jazzmennzoe, Moni, Dre Person, Rj $tackhouse, Corey Jah, Woo Dinero, Trapreem, King Cam, Fluffy The Alchemist, Hail KaeSar, and SO much more. Also, shoutout to Grlgng, which is a group of creatives I’m apart of. And my management team The Mamou Group who also help bring my visions to life. Honestly, shout out to all of Richmond and the definitely the artists. Richmond really does have talent.
Moneá is planning new releases for 2022, follow her on IG to keep up with her latest releases.
Stream Moneá's music on all platforms through the link here.
Written by Max Olarinde, @mobeige1 on all social media.